Following Thursday’s busy trade deadline, six-game, 12-team slate is set to tip off across the NBA. That means plenty of big names are expected to take the floor, including Anthony Edwards, LeBron James and Nikola Jokic. With several stars taking the floor, narrowing down who to start in season-long fantasy and DFS formats is a difficult task. Here are the three guards at the top of tonight’s fantasy basketball rankings:
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1. Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves vs. HOU ($9,700)
Anthony Edwards dismantled the Bulls last night, dropping 49 points, nine rebounds and three assists (69.5 FPTS). As great as the performance was, it comes as no surprise to Timberwolves fans. The All-NBA talent has been terrific once again this season, even if Minnesota’s record has taken a hit. Through 50 games, the guard has averaged 26.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists (45.0 FPTS). Much of Ant-Man’s success has come from beyond the arc, shooting 42.1% on 9.8 three-point attempts per game.
For most mere mortals, a date with the Rockets would be quite the challenge. That hasn’t been the case for Edwards. Over his last ten meetings with Houston, the 23-year-old has put up 27.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists. On a thin slate for guards, there’s no question about who should rank first on tonight’s fantasy basketball rankings.
2. James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers vs. IND ($9,000)
The Clippers are finally healthy, taking some of the offensive workload off of James Harden. The veteran’s usage rating of 29.7% is 13th in the NBA, which has led to some impressive counting stats. Through 47 games, the former MVP has posted 21.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 8.4 assists. Despite some lackluster efficiency (39.3 FG%), Harden is still generating 45.1 fantasy points per game.
Harden can struggle against the NBA’s elite defenses, but he’s a stat-stuffer against most squads. This season, the Pacers have allowed 116.9 points per game, ninth-most in basketball. Over his last five games vs. Indiana, The Beard has recorded 23.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 11.0 assists. Another well-rounded performance on Thursday would challenge Edwards for the top spot on this list.
3. Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks at BOS ($8,700)
A new-look Mavericks squad is unlikely to have Anthony Davis playing prior to this weekend. That leaves total control of the offense with Kyrie Irving. The guard is no stranger to this role, having played without Luka Doncic for most of the year. Since January 14th, the eight-time All-Star has produced 25.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game.
Historically, Irving has struggled against his former team, the Celtics. However, he did tally 22 points against Boston last month. The veteran enters Thursday on a mini-hot streak, having compiled 62 total points over his last two outings. Considering how few reliable scorers are playing for Dallas, Kyrie should dominate the team’s touches tonight.
